National RBS Cup gets underway

Current RBS Premiership league leaders, Melrose, host Heriot’s at the Greenyards (2.30pm), in what will be an RBS Cup and Bill McLaren Shield double-header. The two sides have already met twice this season on league duties, both claiming a home victory apiece.

The Border side will also be defending the Bill McLaren Shield for the second time, following their first successful defence earlier this month when they were 9-3 victors over Stirling County.

Melrose head coach, John Dalziel, said: “The Cup is a welcome break from the intensity of the league but it comes with huge pressure in terms of winning.

“Games between the two teams have traditionally been open, high-scoring affairs, with both sides intent on playing a similar style of rugby.

“We know the conditions are set to be tricky, but the players have prepared very well over the last few weeks and we are extremely determined to continue our recent winning form.”